by P. O. Arnwine
Traditional education is on its way out. With the advent of technology and globalization, those who continue to look at preparation for the workforce through old lenses will be left behind. One thing is undeniable: we need a combination of training and education to navigate today’s economy. The following video makes this point better than my words here.
I use to be offended and completely appalled at such comments as, “Everyone is not cut out for a traditional Liberal Arts Education.” Not only did I soon find out that, indeed, not everyone is cut out for a traditional Liberal Arts Education, but the other part of this truth is that not everyone wants a traditional Liberal Arts Education. Additionally, today’s economy for the foreseeable future argues a nontraditional approach to preparation for the workplace.
I have a friend who is a bit older than me. He told me one day, “I have a traditional degree from a very respected university, but I didn’t really use it. I learned pump repair and went into business for myself. I use to be ashamed that I had to wade through the dirt and smelly muck.” He went on to say, “But you know what? I quickly realized that when I brushed the poop off the dollar bill, it spent just like any other.” He has a very nice house on the river now.
This story speaks directly to credentialing. In other words, we need to advise students, of all ages, toward new credentialing that signals to the workforce a ready and viable candidate. Parenthetically, we should never stop learning new skills.
I tell students “You should never take for granted that you must get a 4-year degree and then a graduate degree in the same discipline. It may very well be the case that you get a 2 or 4-year degree and then technical or vocational certifications. You may not need a degree at all. Maybe a vocational degree or certificate is all you need to propel you to that next level.”
Our approach to credentialing and workforce readiness will determine if we are victors or victims of today’s economy.